Young children may suffer from chronic headaches - Guest Editorial

AORN Journal, Nov, 2002

More than 10 million children between the ages of five and 17 experience chronic headaches, and 20% of adults who currently suffer from chronic migraine or tension headaches report that their headaches began occurring before age 10, according to an Aug 1, 2002, news release from the National Headache Foundation (NHF). Parents may not be aware that their children are susceptible to chronic headaches because headaches are perceived as an adult disease. The inability of young children to effectively describe their symptoms also may prevent parents from recognizing a recurring problem.

A child may be suffering from chronic headaches if he or she

* experiences car or motion sickness;

* wakes up because of headaches;

* has headaches that increase in severity or occur more frequently;

* exhibits temperament or personality changes;

* experiences nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain;

* has headaches that go away as a result of rest; or

* has pain that increases with physical activity.

A family history of migraines also can increase a child's susceptibility.

In addition to consulting a physician to diagnose and treat the problem, NHF suggests that parents keep a diary of their child's headaches to record different factors experienced before and after the headache occurs. Factors to document include time of day, length of time the headache lasts, intensity, pain location, accompanying symptoms, and foods eaten. The diary can help establish a pattern that may help the physician pinpoint the cause of chronic headaches. As preventive measures, parents should ensure that their children receive adequate amounts of sleep at regular times, eat balanced meals on a consistent schedule, and are able to communicate openly about any concerns or fears they have that could affect their stress level.

National Headache Foundation Addresses Children's Headaches During Back-to-School Time (news release, Chicago: National Headache Foundation, Aug 1, 2002) http://www.headaches.org/professional/press%20releases/release080102.html (accessed 16 Aug 2002).